Re: 3rd Rheumy visit, starting MTX

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon,

I'm not on Mtx anymore, but was for several years - I think I

started out at 4 or 5 tablets a week. I didn't have any side

effects until I got up to 7 or 8, and most of them diminished when I

then switched to the injectable form.

I think you've got the right idea with taking them Sunday night if

your slow day is Monday. I always did it on Saturday night, so I

could sleep late and be in a brain fog if need be.

As for the folic acic, my doc had me take 1 mg each day, first thing

in the morning. I've continued doing so even though I switched last

spring from Mtx to Arava.

It will probably take awhile to notice any effect from the mtx -

keeping a log of how you feel will probably help. Good luck - hope

it helps you!

Beth

>

> I saw my rheumy Friday and he has put me on five MTX tablets a

week. Also folate. I haven't had the prescription filled yet. My

appointment was right in the middle of the State Final 4H horse show

and I rushed to the appt and back to the show grounds. I had

fifteen kids depending on me! I am trying to decide when to take

the pills. Sunday nights would probably be best for me as Monday is

usually a " slow " day. I teach riding, and we have horse shows and

pony club on weekend, and I give lessons on Tue. Wed. and Thu. If I

am going to have problems and feel bad for a day, Monday is probably

the " best " day.

>

> What can I expect on that dosage? I know it can cause nausea and

fatigue. What is the best time to take the folic acid? I know it

takes a month or more for the mtx to do any good. I don't want to

wait a whole week to start though, so I will take it tomorrow

(monday) and if I have a bad reaction, I will move it up to sunday.

>

> I am really " stove up " today from three days of running around the

horse show grounds. (when my pedometer got up to 8.5 miles I took

it off. I really didn't want to know!) My feet and ankles and

knees are really sore today and my hands are very stiff. I felt

great during the show. The more I move, the less pain I have, but

AFTERWARD I am sore. I had to sleep in the recliner chair last

night.

>

> Sharon